Dear Friends and Family, January 2019
Happy new year! Last year went by so quickly for us. Though we did not travel the whole year, we presented our ministry in 70+ churches from southern FL to Northern MI. Near the end of the year, we had to change plans due to the crisis in Nicaragua, but we are glad to be on track to bring the Gospel to Costa Rica! Nicaragua is continuing to face greater sanctions and external pressure. In the mean time, we are maintaining a relationship with and supporting the church there during this trying time. We were glad to see many teens surrender to Christ and many follow the Lord in believer's baptism. We were also encouraged to see many families growing and serving in the church. God is doing a great work there in Nicaragua. We are encouraged that He will also do a great work in Costa Rica! At present, we have a short trip planned for mid-January to survey some areas and look at housing, schools, etc. We now have most of our residency documentation ready to go. We are hoping to have everything ready to arrive in Costa Rica by the end of January. We were also encouraged to be contacted by other missionaries who have expressed interest in helping with our next church plant. We will be seeking God's will every step of the way.
Although we did not originally plan to be in the US with our family for Christmas in 2018, we were glad to have the opportunity to spend the Christmas season with our family. The girls enjoyed singing in their Christmas play at church. Elijah has been zooming around the house with some new toy cars he got for Christmas. We were also able to send a special Christmas offering to the church in Nicaragua. They did a special Christmas service for the kids and gave them presents. Many families there can do nothing at all for Christmas, so it is always a very special time for them. Around new year's day, Jeremy came down sick with Strep throat. Thankfully, he is on antibiotics and is doing much better. This month, Jeremy will have the privilege of baptizing Lila. She trusted Christ as her Savior at home one night and has been growing in her faith ever since. She has learned about baptism and wants for all to know that Christ has saved her. Praise the Lord!
We send special thanks to all of the churches who sent us special Christmas offerings. Thank you! That was a blessing. This month, please pray...
1. That God will continue to bless the church in Nicaragua during this trying time.
2. That God will lead us to the right people and place for our next church plant.
3. That God will bless and as we make the transition from the USA to Costa Rica.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, Ellowyn, and ElijahBlanz
